Monday, October 7, 2013

Japan Airlines (JAL) signed an agreement to buy 31 A350 XWBs, plus options for a further 25 aircraft. It was JAL's first ever order for Airbus aircraft, and the first order Airbus has received from Japan for the A350 XWB. Engine-maker Rolls-Royce welcomed the decision. The Trent XWB will power 18 A350-900 and 13 A350-1000 JAL aircraft. The engine powered the A350 XWB to its first test flight in June this year at the Airbus base in Toulouse, France. (Sources: Airbus, Rolls-Royce, 10/07/13) Gulf Coast note: Airbus is building an A320 final assembly line in Mobile, Ala.; Trent XWB engines are tested at Stennis Space Center, Miss. Previous: Lufthansa picks XWB engines; A350 XWB takes to air; RR wins IAG Trent order